Politics has always been a ruthless game driven by shifting interests and raw emotion. The late Russian writer Maxim Gorky once described it as the very soil where evil suspicions, shameless lies, and morbid ambitions flourish best. Anyone following Nigerian politics over the past two years would easily recognize that description. A relentless wave of speculation, smear tactics, and political maneuvering has aimed to derail Vice President Kashim Shettima and force President Bola Tinubu to drop him ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
Even after President Tinubu publicly praised his second-in-command last year, political detractors refused to back down. But all the backroom plots and media hit jobs came to a sudden halt last Friday when the President put the matter to rest once and for all. By reaffirming Shettima as his running mate for 2027, Tinubu did more than just clear the air; he sent a clear message about the value of unwavering loyalty and sound political strategy.
For context, the idea of a joint ticket built on strategic alliance wasn’t born overnight in 2023. Way back in the run-up to the 2015 elections, Tinubu had laid out long-term plans to restructure national politics, showing a willingness to wait patiently and play the long game. What many fail to realize is that Shettima’s dedication to Tinubu’s vision goes back just as far. Long before 2023, he was deeply involved in the foundational work and international outreach that eventually helped unseat the PDP in 2015.
When the momentum began building for the 2023 presidential race, Shettima did something few northern politicians dared to do at the time. He openly and unapologetically threw his weight behind Tinubu when doing so was viewed by many as a massive political risk. While others played it safe, he chose conviction over political convenience.
Those who have worked closely with the Vice President know that his approach to power is grounded in a rare blend of intellect, humility, and absolute loyalty. In a political landscape where leaders frequently abuse their authority to settle personal grievances or discard old allies, Shettima has consistently taken a different path. Born under the Virgo sign, he carries the classic traits often associated with it: practical, meticulous, reliable, and deeply analytical. He stands out as a refined, sharp, and highly relatable figure who genuinely understands the burden of leadership.
The story of how the governing party came to power is rooted in these quiet sacrifices. As far back as January 2019, Shettima was already outlining the long-term electoral strategy needed to secure a victory for Tinubu’s eventual presidential bid. At the time, he had zero personal ambition to be on the ticket himself. His focus was entirely on ensuring his leader succeeded, even asking close associates to keep the project in their prayers.
When Tinubu ultimately secured the party ticket and named Shettima as his running mate, it felt to many like a natural reward for a man who had labored selflessly without asking for anything in return. Predictably, self-appointed political kingmakers attempted to sabotage his nomination and fought fiercely to sideline him, but their efforts ultimately fell flat.
Having survived yet another calculated political coup, Shettima’s retention is a well-deserved victory. As reports on Zoyols News continue to highlight the changing tides within the ruling party, this latest development stands as a powerful reminder that in the murky, unpredictable waters of Nigerian politics, genuine loyalty and steady dedication still carry profound weight.
